The Algerian football league, Ligue 1, has been suspended since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The president of the Ligue de football professionnel (LFP), Abdelkrim Medouar, has expressed skepticism about a potential restart of the league. Medouar stated that it would be difficult for clubs to respect prevention measures and the health protocol, citing the significant financial resources required to resume play.
A meeting was held recently at the Ministry of Youth and Sports to discuss a possible restart of the championship, but no decision was made. All parties involved agreed that a decision would be made after the deconfinement period. The Algerian government has extended the confinement period until June 13, further complicating the prospects of a league restart.
Medouar emphasized that the decision to restart the league lies with the authorities, primarily the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Health. He stressed that no details should be neglected in such a sensitive matter, and that football is just a sport. The LFP president's comments come after a similar statement from Djamel Eddine Damerdji, president of the medical commission of the Algerian Football Federation.
Damerdji had stated that it is almost impossible to resume training in small groups, and that the competition depends on the lifting of the confinement, which is not currently the case. He also emphasized that the epidemic must decrease significantly or disappear before the league can restart. The current situation has left the league in a state of uncertainty.
Before the suspension, CR Belouizdad was leading the Ligue 1 standings with 40 points, followed closely by ES Sétif and MC Alger. In Ligue 2, Olympique Médéa is currently top of the table with 42 points, two units ahead of JSM Skikda. The suspension has put the league on hold, with no clear indication of when or if it will resume.
Medouar's comments have highlighted the challenges facing the league, including the financial resources required to implement health protocols and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The LFP president has emphasized that the health of citizens must take priority over football, a sentiment echoed by the authorities.
The situation remains uncertain, with all parties waiting for a decision from the authorities. The extension of the confinement period has further complicated the prospects of a league restart, and it remains to be seen whether the league will resume in the near future. The health and safety of players, staff, and spectators will likely remain the top priority.
Key points
- Algerian football league suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic.
- LFP president Abdelkrim Medouar expresses skepticism about a potential restart.
- Government extends confinement period until June 13, further complicating league restart prospects.
